Li Yun VS Yu Ding

"Outrageous!"

"Disgraceful disciple!"

However, compared to the relieved gazes of the Chan and Jie Sect disciples, the faces of Yuanshi Tianzun and Sect Master Tongtian on the high platform had turned extremely ugly. It was only thanks to Laozi's swift action in sealing off the sound around the platform that the furious voices of Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian did not echo across the entire square. But even so, the two Saints were burning with rage.

How could they not see through the schemes of Duobao and Guang Chengzi? If the two had chosen to forgo fighting Li Yun before the match began, that could have been excused—even praised as protecting their junior brothers by not contending with them. But now? With only three disciples from the two sects yet to be defeated, the sole (or rather, sole two) hopes had directly conceded. This was the pinnacle of disgrace.

While seeking victory to obtain an Innate Spirit Treasure was understandable, such tactics, such scheming, such cowardice had thoroughly ignited the Saints' displeasure. Even Sect Master Tongtian, who had once been quite satisfied with his senior disciple, now felt utterly chilled. A senior disciple who lacked even the most basic sense of responsibility, trading the sect's reputation for personal gain—this was sheer stupidity, unworthy of further cultivation.

Yuanshi Tianzun's mood was much the same. Though he had not yet poured all his efforts into Guang Chengzi, the latter had received the best treatment as his senior disciple, entrusted with heavy responsibilities and high hopes. But now? He too had conceded. This was simply...

Even Li Yun was somewhat stunned and irritated. It wasn't that the two had tried to outwit him—the real issue was that if he couldn't defeat them with his own hands, he wouldn't be able to acquire their traits. These were two Purple-Red-Gold trait tool-men, no small catch! To miss out on harvesting them—how could he be happy about that? But since they had already conceded, Li Yun couldn't force the matter. He could only cast a look of frustration at the two, then turn his gaze toward Yu Ding.

Not just him. All around, the Chan and Jie Sect disciples also looked toward Yu Ding. He was the only one left who hadn't fought. With the precedent set by Duobao and Guang Chengzi, what would he choose? What decision would he make?

Under the gaze of the crowd, Yu Ding knew he was no match for Li Yun. Just the three Innate Spirit Treasures in his opponent's hands were beyond his ability to handle. Yet Yu Ding did not give up, nor did he show any intention of conceding. He stepped forward, cupped his hands in a salute to Li Yun, and said, "Junior Brother Li Yun, Yu Ding of the Chan Teachings requests your instruction!"

"Good!"

"Well done, Senior Brother Yu Ding!"

The moment he finished speaking, cheers erupted from the Chan Sect disciples around them. Though they knew his choice wasn't the wisest and would cost him greatly in personal gain, there was no denying that Yu Ding's decision upheld the face and values of the Chan Teachings. If he too conceded, the Chan Sect would have suffered an utter humiliation. Even now, many Chan Sect disciples cast looks of contempt at the Jie Sect disciples.

Though the Chan Sect had lost, they at least still had the courage to fight. In contrast, Duobao, as the Jie Sect's last hope, had chosen to concede at this critical moment. Even if one could understand his reasoning, the disdain in their hearts was no less. Sensing the Chan disciples' gazes, the Jie Sect disciples around them wore extremely sour expressions. Some who were close to Duobao clenched their fists, their eyes toward him filled with dissatisfaction.

Duobao took it all in but remained unperturbed. For an Innate Spirit Treasure, what did anything else matter? Guang Chengzi, too, felt a twinge of regret, but now there was no turning back. For the sake of future victory and the Innate Spirit Treasure, having made his choice, he could not go back on it.

"Good, good, good~"

Li Yun looked at Yu Ding with pleasant surprise. Though he didn't have a Gold Trait, he had plenty of Purple and Red ones, and the fact that he was willing to fight was already a fine outcome. With that thought, Li Yun wasted no time. With a flick of his mind, he put away the God-Slaying Gourd, the Space Gourd, and the Ultimate Emperor Seal. His form flickered, and he appeared not far in front of Yu Ding, cupping his hands in salute. "Senior Brother Yu Ding, please!"

"Fight!"

Seeing Li Yun's actions, how could Yu Ding not understand his intent? He was choosing not to rely on his Innate Spirit Treasures in this fight, not wanting Yu Ding to lose too disgracefully. In that moment, Yu Ding's goodwill toward Li Yun soared. Though he didn't know why Li Yun was doing this, the latter was clearly giving him face—how could he let that pass? Without any hesitation, Yu Ding formed hand seals, and the Yuqing Divine Thunder coalesced into a palm-thunder form in his hands.

But he didn't unleash it as a palm thunder. Instead, he channeled the Yuqing Divine Thunder to stimulate his own body, forming a kind of armor around himself with the lightning, then charged straight at Li Yun without a second thought.

"Excellent technique!"

Seeing this, Li Yun's eyes lit up. Yu Ding's mastery of the Yuqing Divine Thunder was truly impressive. Judging by its momentum, it had at least surpassed Minor Accomplishment and was nearing Major Accomplishment—otherwise, it couldn't have reached this level. Without any delay, Li Yun summoned the Guardian True Dragon to merge with his body. As scales appeared across his form, the Taiqing Divine Thunder also coiled around his frame, and he charged forward without hesitation to meet the attack.

Boom boom boom—

Boom boom boom—

In an instant, the two figures clashed together.

They traded blows back and forth, thunder raging, physical bodies colliding endlessly. Fist shadows and lightning filled the air, blanketing the area where they fought.

Yu Ding's own foundation seemed extremely formidable as well. Even without cultivating the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Technique, his physical strength had reached the Grand Unity True Immortal Realm. Moreover, the more he fought against Li Yun, the fiercer he became, their combat growing ever more intense.

This scene made the disciples of the Human, Chan, and Jie Sects around them burn with excitement.

Though this kind of combat—a blend of physical brawling and magical techniques—wasn't exactly elegant and somewhat deviated from traditional cultivator methods, there was no denying its immense visual impact. It even stirred a rising battle intent in the onlookers, as if they wanted to join the fight.

As the two continued their fierce struggle, Yuanshi Tianzun's expression on the high platform improved considerably.

Yu Ding was one of those he had decided to invest more heavily in before, and now the latter's performance was indeed outstanding. The decisiveness and sense of responsibility he had shown earlier far surpassed what Guang Chengzi could match.

Thinking of this, Yuanshi Tianzun spoke up: "The matter of the Twelve Golden Immortals' positions and rotations can no longer be delayed."

"Big Brother, after the Combat Tournament and Exchange Meeting end, I will announce it directly. I hope you can say a few words to support me then."

"Also, this Guang Chengzi is unworthy to be the Chan Teachings' chief personal disciple. Big Brother, what do you think I should do? Should I remove him outright, or..."